The Behavioral Wellness-led Community Wellness Team is offering support for the community in the midst of election stress.
There are plenty of reasons that make feeling anxious pretty normal right now. Living life in a pandemic has changed our lives and routines in every way imaginable, impacted finances, school, work …
Now, the addition of stress surrounding the presidential election and state of our nation can be added to the list.
Earlier this year, the American Psychological Association conducted a Stress in America survey in which they found more than half (about 56%) of respondents identifying the 2020 election as a significant stressor.
At the end of June, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported the highest rising levels of anxiety were among young adults, as well as people of color of all ages. The prevalence of anxiety symptoms among all populations was three times higher than the corresponding period in 2019.
The Department of Behavioral Wellness, which serves as the lead for the Community Wellness Team will be sponsoring opportunities to connect and combat the stress so many will be experiencing during and post the upcoming election.
Let’s Talk: The community can connect with a Behavioral Wellness Community Wellness Team member before and after the election for brief one-on-one confidential conversations. The Community Wellness Team can be reached at 805-364-2750.
Post-Election: The Behavioral Wellness Community Wellness Team will host virtual listening and support spaces after the election — 5:30-6:30 p.m. Nov. 3-6.
Community members interested in joining may get Zoom links and more resource information on Post Election Stress on the Behavioral Wellness website https://www.countyofsb.org/behavioral-wellness/communitydisaster.sbc.
Resource Support for Organizations: Guidance on facilitating dialogues and other resource support is available for community organizations.
Mental Health Tips: Following are some tips on how to improve your mental health around the election:
Stay informed with reliable information and take a break from information when you need to.
Stay socially connected. Connect with supportive family and friends. Look for productive opportunities to communicate with people even when there may be disagreement.
Set boundaries.
Practice mindfulness strategies for self-care.
Break the habit of ruminating on bad outcomes. Uncertainty is everywhere right now and can be a large contributor to stress.
Focus on what you can control.
Engage in meaningful activities.
Stay physically active.
To learn more about Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness, visit http://countyofsb.org/behavioral-wellness. For help accessing Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness services, call the 24/7 toll free Crisis Response and Services Access Line, 888-868-1649.